After 30 years of division caused by a protracted chieftaincy dispute, the people of Atronie, a farming community in the Sunyani Municipality, have honoured one of their sons, Mr Alex Boampong, for playing a key role in restoring peace and unity to the community.
Mr Boampong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of road construction firm Alexiboam Company Ltd, was presented with a citation and a cow at a community durbar in recognition of his role in resolving the 30-year-old dispute and his continued support for the welfare and development of the people.
The citation described him as a selfless and committed son of Atronie whose interventions had made a meaningful impact on the lives of the people and contributed to the development of the community.
The dispute was resolved about a year ago, paving the way for the peaceful installation of the Chief of Atronie, Nana Amponsem Darko II, followed by the installation of other sub-chiefs and queen mothers.
For the people of Atronie, however, Mr Boampong's contribution did not end with the restoration of peace.
They said his continued support for the community, including assistance to vulnerable residents and interventions to improve roads and access routes, had deepened their appreciation of him as a son who had not forgotten his roots.
At the ceremony, Nana Darko said Atronie would forever remember Mr Boampong's contribution to restoring peace and strengthening unity in the traditional area.
He said the resolution of the dispute had created an atmosphere in which traditional authorities, families and residents could once again work together towards the development of the community.
Nana Darko said Mr Boampong had continued to commit his personal resources to the welfare of the people after helping to resolve the dispute.
According to him, Mr Boampong had supported the reshaping of roads and access routes, assisted widows and vulnerable residents and contributed to various community initiatives.
He added that the interventions showed that Mr Boampong's interest in Atronie went beyond business and reflected his commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured him.
I must give back
Responding to the honour, Mr Boampong said he had never supported Atronie with the expectation of being recognised.
He said his commitment came from a deep sense of responsibility to the community in which he was born and raised.
“Atronie has played a significant role in shaping my life, so I consider it a duty to ensure that my hometown also benefits from whatever blessings God has given me,” he said.
Mr Boampong said his father was also a Krontihene of Atronie, making his connection with the traditional area strong.
He expressed gratitude to God for using him as an instrument to help bring the long-standing chieftaincy dispute to an end.
“Where God has placed me today, I have no option but to allow my hometown to benefit from the blessings that have come my way,” he said.
Humble beginning
Recalling his humble beginnings, Mr Boampong said he started life hunting with dogs and later engaged in night hunting before moving into other ventures.
He said those experiences had taught him perseverance, humility and the importance of remembering one's roots.
Mr Boampong pledged to continue to support the development of Atronie.
He promised to reshape some access roads within the township at no cost to the community.
Mr Boampong urged the people to protect the peace they had achieved, put aside past differences and work together with their traditional authorities to develop Atronie.
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